A weekend-only natural wine shop and bar in Pilsen is the city’s hottest destination for vino.Read More

Calling all Office lovers: opening October 15th, the Office Experience is a fully immersive interactive celebration of the most quoted TV show in history. If you love ~Beets, Bears, and Battlestar galatica~ then don’t miss your chance to step inside your favorite mid-level Scraton paper company, in Chicago!

How it works

You’ll have the opportunity to peruse set recreations like the (slightly depressing) Dunder Mifflin offices and Dwight’s infamous Schrute Farms. Will be Mose be there? Unconfirmed. Get an up-close and exclusive look at original show props. Kevin’s chili…mmmm. Plus, you’ll be able to shop at The Office Experience Store. Grab Andy’s beloved Nard Dog crewneck sweater, Michael’s World’s Best Boss coffee mug, or Dwight’s stapler (not in a Jell-O mold though, unfortunately).

Location and time

The Office Experience is located on the Mag Mile. Or more specifically, at 540 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 on the corner of Michigan Ave and Ohio Street. It’s part of The Shops at North Bridge. The whole experience will take about 60-90 minutes but it goes fast! That’s what she said.

You can take pictures and videos

Feel free to take snaps or vids throughout the space. Capture your own talking head interviews, recreate Threat Level Midnight or give Jim-style camera looks (you know that look). Don’t forget to share on social with #TheOfficeExperience so all your friends can be totally jealous.

Tickets and other tidbits

You’ll need to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your time slot. If someone is your party is not feeling well (including yourself), your ticket can be adjusted for a different date and time. Make sure you contact the team ahead of time. Masks will be required! General admission starts at $37.50 – get your tix here before they sell out. And if you really want to dial up the fun, request Kevin, Meredith, Stanley or other Office favorites on Cameo ahead of time!

Special event option

Looking to host the ultimate party? For $2,525 you can bring 25-50 of your closest friends to The Office Experience on Thursdays from 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Each friend will receive their very own personalized Dunder Mifflin Employee Badge. You also get access to a private space where you can party like it’s the Dundies from 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm. Bring your own food and drink, might we suggest Chili’s?

Featured image credit: NBCChicago

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Global street dance competition, Red Bull Dance Your Style will make its debut in Chicago on Friday, September 24. The competition will take place at Thalia Hall. Yes, that’s tomorrow!

So gather up as a variety of dancers showcase the best movements the Midwest has to offer. Recognizing the region’s indelible contribution to street dance with the creation of footwork and jit, Red Bull Dance Your Style is excited to welcome Chicago into its U.S. line-up to celebrate the city’s unique scene and its artists.

Competitors include Queen of Jit Queen Gabby, footwork aficionado Pause Eddy, and Chicago’s very own Nero. Audiences will enjoy a special showcase performed by the local footwork crew, The Era and dance crew, The Pack Drumline & Dance Crew.

Returning for another triumphant year, the global street dance competition Red Bull Dance Your Style will debut in Chicago on Friday, September 24th at Thalia Hall, the nearly 130-year-old Chicago landmark. Bringing together the best in hip-hop, house, waacking, popping, krumping, locking, and more, Red Bull Dance Your Style will celebrate the local dance scene and the artists, movers & creators carving out Chicago’s legacy within street dance.

The region’s top street dancers will go head to head, via bracket-style tournament, performing against a spontaneous soundtrack. An audience of dance lovers will play judge, ultimately deciding which dancer will advance from each qualifier to the Red Bull Dance Your Style National Finals USA taking place from Friday, October 22 through Saturday, October 23 in Washington D.C. With no panel of judges, no planned choreography, and no pre-chosen music, it’s all about embracing the moment, wowing the crowd, and moving to the beat.

With the creation of footwork and Detroit jit, the region has made indelible contributions to street dance. Celebrating the city’s impact on the scene and the local artists who are pushing street dance forward, among the competitors include self-proclaimed Queen of Jit, Queen Gabby, footwork aficionado Pause Eddy, and Chicago’s very own Nero.

The evening will be hosted by BRAVEMONK, member of Chicago’s legendary and internationally recognized breaking crew Phaze II Crosstown Crew, and Chicago-based DJ, King Marie, will provide a spontaneous soundtrack of mainstream hits to timeless classics for the night. Audiences will enjoy a special showcase performed by local footwork crew, The Era and dance crew, The Pack Drumline & Dance Crew.

Contestants compete at the Red Bull Dance Your Style in Taipei, Taiwan on September 4th, 2021. // SI202109080077 // Usage for editorial use only //

The Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago qualifier is open to the public and doors open at 7PM ET. Tickets are available for purchase here. For those unable to attend, the qualifier will be available to watch AND VOTE via official livestream partner Caffeine.

The following is a schedule for the full event:

11:00a – 1:00p: Dance Your Style Workshop

About: Former Red Bull Dance Your Style competitors, Sheopatra and Outrage will focus on teaching various techniques and dance styles but specifically the unique battle format of global street style competition Red Bull Dance Your Style. You’ll learn how to thrill, surprise, and delight the audience, how to adapt to unpredictable pop culture tracks and improve your battle skills to ultimately “wow” the crowd.

Where: Morgan Manufacturing Rooftop – 401 N Morgan St.

5:30 – 6:30p: Media Dinner

Where: Eleven | Eleven – 1111 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607

7:00 – 8:00p: Happy Hour

Where: Tack Room (inside Thalia Hall) – 1807 S. Allport St.

8:00p – 9:30p: Red Bull Dance Your Style Chicago

About: Red Bull Dance Your Style is a global all-styles street dance event series with a unique battle format. From hip hop to house, to locking to popping – dancers participating in Red Bull Dance Your Style will need to ‘wow’ the crowd and ultimately win their vote. Testing freestyle and musicality skills through unpredictable mainstream tracks ranging from recent global hits to classic beats, Red Bull Dance Your Style will have the crowd deciding who will rule the dance floor.

Where: Thalia Hall – 1807 S. Allport St.

10:00p – 2:00a: Red Bull Dance Your Style After Party

Where: Blind Barber – 948 W Fulton Market

For more information about the Chicago qualifier, see here and be sure to follow @RedBullDance on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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Chicago may not be as famous for its Indian food as it is for its pizza, yet delicious Indian eateries can be found all over the city. Many of them are in what is known as Little India, a stretch along Devon Avenue. However, there are many other great places to choose from beyond that area.

So, here are 5 of the best South Asian restaurants in Chicago. Indulge in chipotle-style eateries or authentic and culturally inspired restaurants spread across the city.

Sabri Nihari

2502 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

This Little India establishment offers a wide range of classic Indian and Pakistani dishes – from karahi gosht (a mix of wok-cooked goat meat and vegetables) to haleem (a lentil stew with slow-cooked shredded beef). What makes this Indian and Pakistani restaurant in Chicago even more appealing is its reasonable prices and cozy atmosphere.

View menu here.

Naansense

*LOCATION PENDING*

Build your own bowl at Naansense, a Chipotle-style restaurant known for its Indian-inspired street food that’s freshly made on-site every day. Select a base, protein, veggies and sauce, and you’re good to go. Naansense has two previous Chicago locations – one on Wells St. and one on Clinton St. – and they have a special street food menu that’s only available at certain times, featuring naan pizza and samosa chaat. Stay tuned on their social media, because the location is changing!

Tandoor Char House

2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Influenced by their rich cultural heritage and driven by their collective passion for the culinary arts, brothers Fahim and Faraz Sardharia present to you Tandoor Char House. The dishes at this restaurant in Chicago are made with passion, from the signature mix grill platter to house specialty beef nahari (cuts of sirloin are simmered in sauce and topped with jalapenos and ginger). The award-winning lamb tikka masala tacos are amazing too, and vegetarians should try the palak paneer (cheese and spinach stewed in creamy tomato sauce).

View menu here.

Superkhana

3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Superkhana in Logan Square isn’t just about the food, but the experience, too. The friendly staff at this restaurant will help you choose the best range of dishes, whether collecting from the walk-up-window or dining in the chic, buzzing restaurant. There are the usual goodies plus more adventurous dishes like butter chicken calzone and coconut brisket. Share and try it all with a group, finishing with a cocktail or local cider.

View menu here.

Ghareeb Nawaz

2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

This is probably one of the best, and also most famous South Asian restaurants in Chicago. Since 1993, Ghareeb Nawaz has served everything from breakfast specials like aloo paratha (potato curry with bread) to chili chicken biryani with yogurt and fragrant rice. There are 23 types of paratha sandwiches, while their veggie thali includes four types of curry to try out with chapati.

View menu here.

Image credit: Pexels

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Orland Park, IL-based Edwards Realty Company (ERC), a boutique property management, investment, and development firm, announced the expansion of its Pop Local program to Orland Park Crossing. The program, which has supported local entrepreneurs across the Midwest, focuses on giving small business owners an opportunity to gain awareness for their products in a traditional retail environment.

About Edwards Realty Company

Edwards Realty Company is a leading real estate investment, development, and management firm with three decades of experience investing in communities. Over the past 30 years, Edwards Realty Company has developed a diverse portfolio of mixed-use properties across the Midwest. Their open-air centers are “Centers of Attention” in their respective neighborhoods and represent an innovative convergence of community, compassion, commitment, and commerce.

ERC kicked off the program at the Orland Park Crossing on August 3rd. They’re offering one local entrepreneur or small business owner free retail space beginning in October 2021 for three full months through the holiday season and into the new year. The Pop Local program is an additional initiative led by ERC to help invigorate an important intersection within Orland Park into a defined and vibrant centralized business district.

Through Pop Local, the lucky winner will gain access and support to reach local residents in Orland Park and the surrounding area, as well as provide resources to build out their space and marketing support to draw attention to their business.

“Orland Park has been our company’s home for many years. Bringing our successful Pop Local program to this area is just one way that we can help small business owners get their businesses off the ground,” said Ramzi Hassan, President of ERC. “We are thinking big picture for Orland Park by identifying opportunities to incorporate Orland Park Crossing into our overall vision for Downtown Orland Park. Our hope is that through this strategy and with programs like Pop Local, we can draw attention and interest from small business owners and local area residents to our community.”

Local small business owners and entrepreneurs who are interested in participating in the program can apply through an online application form at ShopPopLocal.com from August 3- August 31st. Submissions will be narrowed down to three finalists and the community will have the chance to vote for the winner online. Finalists will be notified at the beginning of September and the official program winner will be announced on October 1st. For more details on the Pop

Local program, and to apply, please visit ShopPopLocal.com

UPDATED 9/24

Edwards Realty Group Announces Finalists for Pop Local Program

ERC to Host Upcoming Showcase Event, Giving Community Voters an Opportunity to Learn About Local Finalists

WHAT: Edwards Realty Company (ERC), a boutique property management, investment, and development firm, is hosting a showcase day for the finalists of its Pop Local program at the Orland Park Crossing this Saturday, September 25th.

The community, along with local guest judges will vote on which of the below small business owner finalists will receive three months of free retail space beginning in October, with unprecedented storefront access at the Orland Park Crossing.

About the Finalists

Aura Bazaar: Aura Bazaar is a clothing boutique that serves every size. The owner, Jessica Morales, has been fighting to keep her size inclusive clothing business alive since 2012. It took a big hit due to the pandemic, forcing her to close her Chicago storefront in March of this year.

Beauty and Brains Organization: Beauty & Brains focuses on empowering young black women in high education and helping kids to have access to a good education. They’re Chicago sisters who saw firsthand the disadvantages that young girls of color face when it comes to access to a good education and decided to do something about it.

Her Crystals: Her Crystals is a unique crystal shop, that is soul-centered, a place for people to achieve their goals for spiritual growth and development. Their mission is to bring customers the crystals and guidance needed to fulfill their life’s purpose.

Pomp & Chic Boutique: Pomp & Chic is a lifestyle brand focused on curating a collection of fashion that embraces body positivity and promotes confidence. Their goal is to help customers feel good in the skin they’re in and ending retail intimidation.

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Throughout the summer, the one thing that kept our sanity was the “concert in the park” series at Millenium Park. When asked about the challenges and blessings of being a musician throughout the pandemic, almost every musician would point out they wouldn’t have made it through without Chicago’s amazing, supportive communities, one of them being the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter.

While best known for its production of Grammy-winning artists, the chapter itself focuses far more than the big names and glories alone. Rather, the Recording Academy Chicago Chapter has always been at the forefront of supporting Chicago musicians and providing relief and resources to help them grow professionally and personally.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: Lisa Kaplan of Eighth Blackbird performs during The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Concert at Millenium Park on September 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The 60th Anniversary Concert at Millenium Park

Serving as the final concert of the Millennium Park Summer Series, the event is presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and is free of charge. Performers include Eighth Blackbird with special guests J. Ivy, Karim Sulayman, Tarrey Torae, plus a special performance by Valeboland Jamila Woods.

In July 1961, the Recording Academy opened its doors in Chicago as the third Chapter after New York and L.A. Since then, the Chicago Chapter has evolved to represent music makers from every genre and at every level of their careers. Supplying artists and recording professionals with educational and networking opportunities and advocating on their behalf, the Recording Academy is an integral part of the local Chicago music community.

Support these artists on Instagram: Eighth Blackbird, J.Ivy, Karim Sulayman, Tarrey Torae, Valebol, and Jamila Woods.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter Senior Executive Director Sarah Jansen and President Dani Deahl speak on stage during The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Concert at Millenium Park on September 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The Heroines Behind-the-Scene

If we’re going to talk about how Recording Academy Chicago Chapter has helped musicians navigate through the pandemic and continue to thrive, it’s impossible to not talk about the two amazing individuals behind the scene.

Sarah Jansen is the Senior Executive Director of the Chicago Chapter and has been here since 2004. Since the pandemic has started, Sarah has been leading the team at the chapter to communicate and collaborate so those who matter the most — the musicians are protected and supported against the unexpected turmoils.

Meanwhile, Dani Deahl, president of Recording Academy Chicago Chapter, has been at the forefront of artist discovery and industry change for over a decade. She also frequently engages in outreach and professional development for the music community and her efforts bring artists more support and opportunities so they can continue to develop themselves even during the hardest time.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: Karim Sulayman attends The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Concert at Millenium Park on September 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Overcoming Challenges with Creativity and Collaboration

When asked what stood out most throughout the pandemic, both Dani and Sarah immediately said it was the community. For those deep in Chicago’s music scene, you know that our city has a robust community consists of professional and amateur musicians, venues, supportive businesses, and passionate everyday Chicagonians.

Like all other industries, the music industry had to adapt to digital communications when everything shut down. It was new, unfamiliar, and challenging to say the least. But the music community in Chicago pulled it together and came out stronger than ever.

“Not a single venue shut down in Chicago. That alone is mindblowing. And we ended up having so many amazing collaborations because we went digital. None of these collabs would have happened in the old times without the ability to overcome geological limitations.” Said Dani.

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: Jamila Woods performs during The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Concert at Millenium Park on September 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

Where to Seek Support

Did you know? The Recording Academy Chicago Chapter provides extensive and comprehensive support for musicians, covering every aspect from career development to housing and rent relief.

While most of these resources are available online, it is highly recommended that a dedicated musician invests in chapter membership.

“The community is great. There are a lot of resources. But it isn’t until you become an official member of the Recording Academy that you will benefit from the maximum support and mentorship we provide. At the membership level, we will work with musicians one-on-one so each can reach their full potential,” said Sarah.

To learn more about membership benefits, visit https://www.grammy.com/recording-academy/membership/join

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 16: A general view of atmosphere at the Chicago Chapter 60th Anniversary Concert at Millennium Park on September 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jeff Schear/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

How To Make a Difference

As we wrap up our interview with Sarah and Dani, we asked for some professional advice when it comes to how the general public can support Chicago’s music scene now that the city has fully reopened.

“We sometimes forget that music is all about the community,” said Sarah. “So besides the musicians, make sure you support the venue. Tip the food staff. Acknowledge all the hard work that goes into the set, the lightings, the planning, and programming. It’s all about teamwork.”

Meanwhile, in-person, live events need everyone’s support by both showing up and following the health guidelines to keep everyone safe. If you don’t feel comfortable going to large gatherings yet, rest assured. Virtual and hybrid events are not going away and will provide you a comfortable way to support your favorite artists.

Featured Image Credit: Daniel Boczarski

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Going to Orland Park means you’re already in for a fun time. The area is filled with a vibrant nightlife and local attractions. Whether you prefer fun and packed nightclubs where you can show off your dance moves, sports bars for quality viewing and drinking experiences while rooting for your favorite team, or low-key pubs with good drinks and a chill vibe, Orland Park has unique local bars to satisfy your tastes. These 8 popular bars in Orland Park offer the best vibes, delicious food, and boozy cocktails.

Fatties Pub

14420 John Humphrey Dr, Orland Park, IL 60462

Built in 2015, Fatties Pub is a sports and spirits bar in the heart of Orland Park with over 20 draft beer selections on tap. Indulge in any one of their delicious food entrees and engage in a new beverage experience with a premium selection of beers, spirits, and liqueurs. Quench your thirst with a variety of beer options ranging from crafts to domestics and seasonals.

The Brass Tap

14225 S 95th Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462

The Brass Tap in Orland Park offers over 150+ craft beers from around the globe in a neighborhood atmosphere that feels both relaxed and upscale. What’s more, their beer experts can answer just about any question you throw their way. This bar features daily specials, live entertainment, and unique events each and every month. Hungry? From salty to tangy to sweet, you’re sure to find a flavor to compliment your beer and appease your appetite on their food menu.

Irish Patriot

9875 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL 60462

Since 2012, The Irish Patriot has been the hallmark pub and bar in Orland Park, IL. The Irish Patriot is not only a neighborhood favorite for families and friends in the area, but it has earned a reputation from all across Chicago’s south side as a destination for a great dining and bar experience.

Coach’s Corner

8118 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL 60462

Coach’s Corner Bar & Grill is an Orland Park favorite. At it’s core a sports bar, Coach’s delivers a superior experience with premier amenities, while remaining true to its South-Side values. Furnished with 34 TVs, the bar will exceed all your game day needs and nightlife desires, supplemented with an extensive menu and carefully curated drink and beer list. It also features a newly renovated granite bar, a 230 square foot private gaming lounge, and an extensive beer garden!

Girl In The Park

11265 W 159th St, Orland Park, IL 60467

Girl in the Park is truly a unique American Bar & Grill with a menu specializing in locally-sourced ingredients, handcrafted infused cocktails, and a STRONG bourbon game. Their partnership with local farmers, grocers, and brew houses ensures that they will deliver a fresh product. They’ve got an extensive cocktail menu and the best whiskey selection too!

Original Six Bar & Grill

10700 160th St, Orland Park, IL 60467

Located in the Arctic Ice Arena, Original Six isn’t your average neighborhood bar in Orland Park. Head upstairs for casual family dining in the restaurant or for drinks in the bar overlooking the Championship Rink. It features freshly prepared appetizers, soups, sandwiches, salads, pasta, baby back pork ribs, made-to-order homemade pizzas, all-natural fruit smoothies & more!

The Whistle Sports Bar & Grill

7537 W 159th St, Tinley Park, IL 6047

Although not directly in Orland Park, The Whistle is dubbed Tinley Parks #1 sports bar. Come in and check out their 3 video walls, 2 145? projection screens, numerous TVs and a heated patio! This bar is the perfect place to watch an NFL game or hang out with friends!

Mackey’s Pub

9400 W 143rd St, Orland Park, IL 60462

Established in 2012, Mackeys’ Pub is family-owned and operated. This pub and bar in Orland Park, IL offers daily food and drink specials 7 days a week! Plus, watch your favorite sporting event or play their live video gaming machines all while snacking on an extensive menu of appetizers, pizzas, salads, wraps, and handhelds.

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Before you know it, the NHL season will be here. But, prior to that happening, we’ll see the 2021 Chicago Blackhawks preseason! If you haven’t been paying much attention to the team since they stopped playing last year, their preseason is coming a lot sooner than you think.

In fact, it starts today.

Yes, that’s right, today! The first game on the calendar for the 2021 Chicago Blackhawks takes place tonight at 7:30PM against the Detroit Red Wings. They’ve made a couple moves in the offseason, skated their way through training camp, and now we’ve reached the real action: 2021 Chicago Blackhawks preseason hockey!

Who Are These New Guys?

The Chicago Blackhawks certainly haven’t kept quiet before the 2021 preseason. After trading away beloved defenseman, Duncan Keith, the team was quick to recognize it’s apparent need on defense. Who would fill Keith’s void? It’d be a tough job to do with just one guy. So when it came to their defense, the Chicago Blackhawks ended up acquiring three new players for 2021.

The first of these players is former Nashville Predator and recent Columbus Blue Jacket, Seth Jones. Jones, age 26, is a right-handed dynamic defender who has the perfect skillset to fit on our team. He’ll serve as one of the Chicago Blackhawks top defenders, and during his career he’s shown that he can do things offensively as well. This season, Jones will be looking to prove people wrong after having one of his worst statistical seasons in 2020.

Jake McCabe is the second defender Bowman went after for this year. McCabe is a true defender and will add depth to the roster in the 2021 Chicago Blackhawks preseason and beyond. Jake McCabe can shutdown opposing attackers whether his team is at full strength or on the penalty kill, and will be a vital piece in a postseason run.

And the last move, which was one of the team’s biggest, was the trade to acquire star goalie, Marc Andre Fleury. Fleury’s age might be getting up there at 36, but by no means has he slowed down one bit. Last season, Marc Andre Fleury won the Vezina Trophy while playing for the Las Vegas Golden Knights. The Vezina Trophy is the NHL’s annual award given to the best goalie. So yeah, we’re in good hands. Kane and Toews aren’t getting any younger, and it’s clear that the front office is loading up for 2021.

2021 Chicago Blackhawks Preseason Schedule

Including tonight’s game, the Blackhawks will play in six games throughout their 2021 preseason. They’ll face the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues two times a piece. After that, they’ll play in their season opener against the Colorado Avalanche on Wednesday, October 13. You can bet we’re excited about being two weeks away from some hockey!

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Chicago has one of the largest Polish populations outside of Poland. So, it’s not surprising that the city has some of the best Polish food in the world. And although not Polish myself (still Eastern European), I am surrounded by their food and culture daily. From places that span decades to newcomers that are putting modern spins on classic recipes, there are plenty of good options. Here are my top 6 picks of the best Polish restaurants in Chicago.

It’s time for delicious Polish meals full of borsch, dumplings, potato pancakes, and paczki! And don’t forget to check out our food guide for the best bars in Ukrainian Village as well.

Podhalanka

1549 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60642

Podhalanka is an old-school restaurant that whips up traditional Polish recipes. In addition to the long list of soups, pierogies, salads, and favorites like stuffed cabbage, this is also the place to find some of the rarer dishes.

View the menu here.

Staropolska Restaurant

3030 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Staropolska Restaurant is a Polish Restaurant located in the Logan Square area of Chicago and strives to offer the finest Polish cuisine with a superb dining experience. From a Vienna schnitzel to zucchini pancakes, Staropolska has plenty of Polish options. Additionally, you will also find plus some non-Polish choices like chicken fingers and Caesar salad. There’s also a selection of soups and sweets, such as kolacky, to end the meal with.

View menu here.

Smakosz Restaurant

5619 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Smakosz offers authentic tastes of Poland, with family-style dining.

The most popular Smakosz dish is the Lublin Pork. This dish is like a little taste of Poland on one plate and is loved by everyone just like their delicious hand-made pierogies. Furthermore, it was and still is a dish that brings back childhood memories for many members of the Polish community. Another of their signature dishes is the Polish Food Assortment.

View menu here.

U Gazdy

270 W Irving Park Rd, Wood Dale, IL 60191

Venture out a little bit West to Wood Dale and you’ll find a cozy cabin that serves up the most delicious and authentic Polish Highlander cuisine. Personally, I’d start with complimentary rye bread and smalec, which is a lard spread, before diving into comforting plates from the country’s southernmost region.

Next, choose one of the standouts on the menu, such as the sizzling lamb chops, 24-hour beer-marinated pork shank, crispy duck baked with apples, and pork tenderloin escalopes covered in smoked cheese and mushroom sauce. Finally, don’t forget to try my favorites, the borsch soup with krokiet, and meat dumplings (uszka).

View the menu here.

Kasia’s Deli

2101 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Veal meatballs, pierogies, and borsch are staples on the menu here. Kasia’s Deli also has a wholesale line that brings blintzes and dumplings in various flavors to tables all across the country. Whether it’s right in the restaurant or at home, customers can look forward to this dependable Polish fare.

Order online here.

SMAK-TAK!

5961 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60646

“Smak-Tak” is a quaint Polish restaurant that has been located on the north side of Chicago for the past fifteen years. The history alone easily makes it one of the most underrated Polish restaurants in Chicago. Its cozy atmosphere is what makes the Jefferson Park spot special. There are stuffed cabbage rolls and hunter’s stew, plus sweet cheese blintzes to finish off a traditional meal.

View the menu here.

Image cred: u-gazdy.com

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Chicago took a big step in gaming two years ago. Unfortunately, things have not progressed much since then. Yet, if all goes well, we will soon see the opening of the promising Waukegan casino in the north suburbs of Chicago.

If that doesn’t sound like much, one must bear in mind all that is involved in opening a casino like the Waukegan. As soon as the license is validated to one of the current bidders for the casino, the state of Illinois can prepare for a job proposal invasion that will generate millions of dollars for both the city and its citizens.

But when will this good news arrive? And how many jobs will emerge out of this new casino that’s struggling for so long? Let’s see what’s involved in the grand opening of the Waukegan casino in Chicago and what has caused the construction to be delayed until next year.

The Current State of Play: A Bidders’ Brawl

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca recently said he understands the delays because of COVID, but so far everything is moving awfully slow – at a snail’s pace.

The reason for his complaint is that Waukegan has been stalled for two years for various reasons. Obviously, you can say that the pandemic has been the biggest culprit. However, the real problem is the licensing that the Illinois Gaming board will have to give to one of the bidders who wants to take over the up-and-coming casino.

It was two and a half years ago when Prizker’s signature created the licenses that were to open up Illinois to the vast universe of land-based gaming and also access to online casino websites popular among the US players. Yet things are taking so long because the gaming board is carefully choosing the next big fish that will lead the Illinois gaming orchestra from Waukegan.

In total, seven applicants will make a public presentation on October 13 with the Illinois Gaming Board, which could mean that by mid-January of next year we could see the beginnings of the Waukegan casino construction, if a winning project gets chosen.

What Waukegan Can Mean For Chicagoans

Although Waukegan looks like it’s going to open not before 2025, the impact of Chicago getting its big casino created both uncertainties and promising opportunities.

The Waukegan casino carries with it the promise that for every $1 million it will spend, it will create about 10 new jobs – and that’s just during construction. Besides, that’s just the tip of the iceberg, because such a significant casino attracts a tourism niche, eager to discover the new gambling house.

To cater to this tourism, there will also have to be in-house trained employees. Whoever has the winning project on October 13 will be responsible for hiring hundreds of Chicagoans, which will greatly boost the city’s post-pandemic economy.

Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel for Illinois Casinos?

Currently, the United States is not one of the most permissive countries with its licensing and online casino generosity. In fact, the states that allow online gambling are limited, with New Jersey being the most prominent and permissive, followed by Michigan, Pennsylvania, and West Michigan who are barely noticeable.

What the Waukegan casino can bring to the state of Illinois will be a new point of view towards a relaxation of online gambling licensing. This will allow the big fellas of the iGaming industry to move to this new state and serve as another brick in the overall acceptance of online gaming in the US.

What no one knows is how long it will take for this to get going because all the current focus is on Waukegan getting things rolling. What we do know is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, because what seemed unthinkable just a few years ago in the south suburbs of Chicago is now just a matter of time.

Featured Image Credit: Rivers Waukegan on Facebook

The post Waukegan Casino Construction and New Job Opportunities in Chicago appeared first on UrbanMatter.

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